Pet carrier

ABSTRACT

A pet carrier including a top portion; a bottom portion secured to the top portion and including a front wall having an upper edge, extending along an entirety of an upper side of the front wall from a first side to a second side, having a first portion proximate the first side and extending perpendicular thereto, a second portion adjoining the first portion and extending perpendicular thereto toward a floor of the bottom portion, a third portion adjoining the second portion and extending perpendicular thereto, a fourth portion adjoining the third portion and extending perpendicular thereto away from the floor of the bottom portion and opposing the second portion, and a fifth portion proximate the second side, adjoining the fourth portion and extending perpendicular thereto; and a first door carried between the second portion and fourth portion of the upper edge of the front wall of the bottom portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/882,916 filed on May 26, 2020 and titled PET CARRIER. The content ofthis application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems pet carriers. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a system used totransport a pet and allow unobstructed access into and out of thecarrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many carriers available in the pet industry today. However,they contain many drawbacks making travelling with pets inconvenient andcause anxiety in the pet. Many of the carriers require a pet to beplaced into or removed from the carrier through a small opening. In mostknown pet carriers, the only alternative to entering and exiting througha small opening is to disassemble the pet carrier into two halves andremove the pet through the opening formed by removing a top half of thecarrier. Therefore, a need exists for a pet carrier that provides alarger, unobstructed opening through which a pet may enter or exit thecarrier without complete disassembly of the carrier.

This background information is provided to reveal information believedby the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention.No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that anyof the preceding information constitutes prior art against the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention are relatedto a pet carrier including a top portion, a bottom portion, and a firstdoor.

The bottom portion may be separable from the top portion and secured tothe top portion. The bottom portion may include a front wall having anupper edge extending along an entirety of an upper side of the frontwall from a first side to a second side, the upper edge may have a firstportion proximate the first side and extending perpendicular thereto, asecond portion adjoining the first portion and extending perpendicularthereto toward a floor of the bottom portion, a third portion adjoiningthe second portion and extending perpendicular thereto, a fourth portionadjoining the third portion and extending perpendicular thereto awayfrom the floor of the bottom portion and opposing the second portion,and a fifth portion proximate the second side, adjoining the fourthportion and extending perpendicular thereto.

The first door may be carried between the second portion and fourthportion of the upper edge of the front wall of the bottom portion. Thefirst door may include a mesh screen or a plurality of apertures formedin a solid material.

The pet carrier may include a hinge secured to the front wall of thebottom portion and to the first door.

The pet carrier may include a securing mechanism having a first portionsecured to the front wall of the bottom portion and a second portionsecured to the first door. The second portion may have a devicerotatably activated to engage a member of the second portion with thefirst portion to prevent movement of the first door relative to thebottom portion.

The pet carrier may include a second door carried by a back wall of thebottom portion, which opposes the front wall of the bottom portion.

The pet carrier may include a hinge secured to the back wall of thebottom portion and to the second door.

The pet carrier may include a securing mechanism having a first portionsecured to the back wall of the bottom portion and a second portionsecured to the second door. The second portion may have a devicerotatably activated to engage a member of the second portion with thefirst portion to prevent movement of the second door relative to thebottom portion.

The pet carrier may include a handle hingedly secured to the topportion. The handle may be selectively positionable between an uprightand a stowed position. The stowed position may be defined as placementof the handle within a recess of a ceiling of the top portion.

The pet carrier may include a hinge secured to a back wall of the bottomportion and a back wall of the top portion. The securing member may beconfigured to allow the top portion to rotate with respect to the bottomportion. The securing member may include an offset friction hinge.

The pet carrier may include a plurality of first fastener componentssecured to the top portion and a plurality of second fastener componentssecured to the bottom portion. Each of the first fastener components maybe adapted to secure and unsecure to a respective one of the secondfastener components. Securing each of the plurality of first fastenercomponents to each respective plurality of second fastener componentsmay retain the top portion and the bottom portion in a closedconfiguration. Unsecuring each of the plurality of first fastenercomponents from each respective plurality of second fastener componentsmay allow the top portion and the bottom portion to be moved to an openconfiguration.

The top portion may include a ceiling having a middle section, a frontend section secured to a first end of the middle section, and a back endsection secured to a second end of the middle section. The middlesection, front end section, and back end section may be planar. Thefront end section may form a first obtuse angle with the middle sectionon an inside of the ceiling opposing the floor of the bottom section.The back end section may form a second obtuse angle with the middlesection on the inside of the ceiling opposing the floor of the bottomsection.

The pet carrier may include a viewing port located in the front endsection or the back end section of the ceiling. The viewing port mayinclude a mesh screen or a plurality of apertures formed in a solidmaterial.

The bottom portion may include a first plurality of apertures adaptedfor ventilation. The top portion may include a second plurality ofapertures adapted for ventilation.

The pet carrier may include a shoulder strap having a first endremovably secured to the bottom portion at a first shoulder strapattachment point and a second end removably secured to the bottomportion at a second shoulder strap attachment point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an exampleand are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, inwhich like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet carrier according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a top portion of the pet carrier of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the top portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the top portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the top portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the top portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the pet carrier ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 7 with arear door.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 7 with afront door.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the pet carrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the pet carrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the pet carrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the bottom portion of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pet carrier according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a top portion of the pet carrier ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the top portion of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the top portion of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the top portion of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the top portion of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the pet carrier ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 21 with arear door.

FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 21 witha front door.

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the pet carrier of FIG. 15.

FIG. 26 is a rear elevation view of the pet carrier of FIG. 15.

FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of the pet carrier of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those ofordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are notintended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the presentinvention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons havingthe benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the followingembodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss ofgenerality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimedinvention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilledin the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,”“upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience ofthe reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in theart should notice this description may contain other terminology toconvey position, orientation, and direction without departing from theprinciples of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the artshould note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,”“substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to meanthat the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes amajority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of theseterms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and themeaning may be expressly modified.

An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the variousfigures and accompanying text, provides a pet carrier 100 including abottom portion 110 and a top portion 140.

The bottom portion 110 may have a front wall 111, a back wall 121, afirst side wall 125, a second side wall, 135, and a floor 138.

The first side wall 125 may be rectangular and have four edges. A firstedge 126 of the first side wall 125 may oppose a second edge 127 of thefirst side wall 125. A third edge 128 of the first side wall 125 mayoppose a fourth edge 129 of the first side wall 135. The first edge 126and second edge 127 may extend between the third edge 128 and fourthedge 129.

The second side wall 135 may be rectangular and have four edges. Thesecond side wall 135 may mirror the first side wall 125. A first edge136 of the second side wall 135 may oppose a second edge 137 of thesecond side wall 135. A third edge 138 of the second side wall 135 mayoppose a fourth edge 139 of the second side wall 135. The first edge 136and second edge 137 may extend between the third edge 138 and fourthedge 139.

The front wall 111 may have three outer edges and be rectangular with au-shaped recess adapted to receive a door 165. A first edge 112 of thefront wall 111 may oppose a second edge 113. A third edge 114 of thefront wall 111 may oppose a fourth edge 115. The fourth edge 115 may bediscontinuous with a first portion 116 proximate the first edge 112 anda second portion 117 proximate the second edge 113. There may be au-shaped recess between the first portion 116 and second portion 117.

The back wall 121 may be rectangular and have four edges. A first edge122 of the back wall 121 may oppose a second edge 123 of the back wall121. A third edge 124 of the back wall may oppose a fourth edge 105 ofthe back wall 121. The first edge 122 and second edge 123 may extendbetween the third edge 124 and fourth edge 105.

The floor 108 of the bottom portion 110 may secure to the front wall111, first side wall 125, second side wall 135, and back wall 121 toform an enclosure having an open side, through which animals may beplaced into or removed from the enclosure. The top portion 140 of thepet carrier 100 may be placed over the open side of the bottom portion110 to secure an animal within the pet carrier 100. The floor 108 may berectangular and have four edges.

The first edge 126 of the first side wall 125 may secure to a first edge112 of the front wall 111. The second edge 127 of the first side wall125 may secure to a first edge 122 of the back wall 121. The third edge128 of the first side wall 125 may secure to a first edge of the floor108.

The first edge 136 of the second side wall 135 may secure to a secondedge 113 of the front wall 111. The second edge 137 of the second sidewall 135 may secure to a second edge 123 of the back wall 121. The thirdedge 138 of the second side wall 135 may secure to a second edge of thefloor 108.

A third edge of the floor 108 may secure to a third edge 114 of thefront wall 111. A fourth edge of the floor 108 may secure to a thirdedge 124 of the back wall 121. Each attachment of an edge of the floor108 may form a 90-degree angle with the edge to which it is secured.

A plurality of attachment portions 101 may be secured to the back wall121 or to either the first side wall 125 or second side wall 135proximate the back wall 121. In one embodiment, each of the one or moreattachment portions 101 may extend away from the back wall 121 distalthe front wall 111.

The top portion 140 may have a front wall 141, a back wall 142, a firstside wall 145, a second side wall 155, a ceiling 143, a first lobe 154,and a second lobe 160.

The first side wall 145 of the top portion 140 may be a polygon and haveat least four edges. A first edge 146 of the first side wall 145 mayoppose a second edge 147 of the first side wall 145. The first edge 146and second edge 147 may extend parallel to one another and parallel tothe third edge 128 and fourth edge 129 of the first side wall 125 of thebottom portion 110.

The second side wall 155 of the top portion 140 may be a plygon and haveat least four edges. The second side wall 155 may mirror the first sidewall 145. A first edge 156 of the second side wall 155 may oppose asecond edge 157 of the second side wall 155. The first edge 156 andsecond edge 157 may extend parallel to one another and parallel to thethird edge 138 and fourth edge 139 of the second side wall 135 of thebottom portion 110.

The front wall 141 of the top portion 140 may have four outer edges andbe rectangular with at least one edge adapted to extend below anentirety of the fourth edge 115 of the front wall 111 of the bottomportion 110 when the pet carrier 100 is in a closed configuration. Afirst edge of the front wall 141 may oppose a second edge. A third edgeof the front wall 141 may oppose a fourth edge. The first edge andsecond edge may connect to the third edge and fourth edge.

The back wall 142 of the top portion 140 may be rectangular and havefour edges. A first edge of the back wall 142 may oppose a second edgeof the back wall 142. A third edge of the back wall 142 may oppose afourth edge of the back wall 142. The first edge and second edge 123 mayextend between the third edge and fourth edge.

The ceiling 143 of the top portion 140 may be rectangular and have fouredges. A first edge 148 of the ceiling 143 may oppose a second edge 149of the ceiling 143. A third edge of the ceiling 148 may oppose a fourthedge of the ceiling 143. The first edge 148 and second edge 149 mayextend between the third edge and fourth edge.

The first edge 146 of the first side wall 145 may secure to a first edge148 of the ceiling 143. The second edge 147 of the first side wall 145may extend below the fourth edge 129 of the first side wall 125 of thebottom portion 110 when the pet carrier is in a closed configuration.

The first edge 156 of the second side wall 155 may secure to a secondedge 149 of the ceiling 143. The second edge 157 of the second side wall155 may extend below the fourth edge 139 the second side wall 135 of thebottom portion 110 when the pet carrier is in a closed configuration.

The ceiling 143 may secure to the front wall 141, first side wall 145,second side wall 155, and back wall 142 to form an enclosure having anopen bottom.

A plurality of attachment portions 161 may be secured to the back wall142 or to either the first side wall 145 or second side wall 155proximate the back wall 142. In one embodiment, each of the one or moreattachment portions 161 may extend away from the back wall 142 distalthe front wall 141. The attachment portion 161 of the top portion 140may be adapted to rotatably secure to the attachment portion 101 of thebottom portion 110. The pet carrier 100 may be positionable in a closedor open configuration. In the closed configuration, the top portion 140is rotated into a position placing the ceiling 143 directly above thefloor 108 forming an enclosed space therebetween. In the openconfiguration the top portion 140 is rotated 180 degrees about theattachment portions 101, 161 to place the front wall 141 of the topportion 140 distal the front wall 111 of the bottom portion 110 formingan open chamber.

In embodiments having lobes, a first lobe 154 may be secured to andextend downward, distal the ceiling 143, from the second edge 147 of thefirst side wall 145 of the top portion 140. A second lobe 160 may besecured to and extend downward, distal the ceiling 143, from the secondedge 157 of the second side wall 155 of the top portion 140. The lobes154, 160 may be adapted to limit the gap formed between the fourth edges129, 139 of the first and second side walls 125, 135 of the bottomportion 110 and the second edges 147, 157 of the first and second sidewalls 145, 155 of the top portion 140 as the pet carrier 100 istransitioned between closed and open configurations. Limiting this gapmay be beneficial to any animal carried within the pet carrier 100 asthe smaller the gap is, the lest change the animal may see in itsenvironment as the top portion 140 is rotated between open and closedpositions. When in the open configuration, a portion of the first lobe154 overlaps a fourth edge 129 of the first side wall 125 of the bottomportion 110 and a portion of the second lobe 160 overlaps a fourth edge139 of the second side wall 135 of the bottom portion 110. In the closedconfiguration, a second edge 147 of the first side wall 145 of the topportion 140 overlaps the fourth edge 129 of the first side wall 125 ofthe bottom portion 110 and a second edge 157 of the second side wall 155of the top portion 140 overlaps the fourth edge 139 of the second sidewall 135 of the bottom portion 110. The lobes 154, 160 may have curvededges. A radius of curvature for each of the lobes 154, 160 may extendfrom the respective attachment points toward the front of the petcarrier 100.

The second edge 127 of the first side wall 125 may have a length greaterthan a length of the first edge 126 of the first side wall 125. Thesecond edge 137 of the second side wall 135 may have a length greaterthan a length of the first edge 136 of the second side wall 135.

The pet carrier 100 may have a plurality of fasteners to secure the topportion 140 and bottom portion 110 in the closed configuration. A firstfastener component 162 may be secured to the top portion 140 proximate asecond edge 147, 157 of the first or second side wall 145, 155. A secondfastener component 163 may be secured to the bottom portion 110proximate a fourth edge 129, 139 of the first or second side walls 125,135. The first fastener component 162 and second fastener component 163may be cooperatively configured to secure to one another and retain thepet carrier 100 in the closed configuration. Fasteners may becooperatively positioned on the first portion 116 or second portion 117of the fourth edge 115 of the front wall 111 of the bottom portion and acorresponding location on the front wall 141 of the top portion.Fasteners may be positioned on a fourth edge 105 of the back wall 121 ofthe bottom portion 110 with a corresponding fastener located on a backwall 142 of the top portion 140. The fasteners may be snap latches orthe lock.

A first door 165 may be retained in the u-shaped recess of the frontwall 111 of the bottom portion 110. The top of the first door 165 may beeven with the fourth edge 115 of the front wall 111 and between thefirst portion 116 and second portion 117 of the fourth edge 115 of thefront wall 111. The absence of any portion of the front wall 111extending above the door 165 may be beneficial to an animal travelingthrough the door way. When the door 165 is in the open position, ananimal may walk through the door way without having to walk under anobstruction. This may be particularly beneficial when the door 165 isopen and the pet carrier 100 is in an open configuration. The absence ofany structure above the door may relieve anxiety in the animal andencourage it to walk through the doorway either into or out of the petcarrier 100. The door 165 may be secured in a closed configuration witha latch or other securing mechanism.

A second door 166 may be carried by the back wall 121 of the bottomportion 110. The door 166 may be secured in a closed configuration witha latch or other securing mechanism.

Each of the securing mechanism for the doors 165, 166 may include afirst portion fixedly secured to the bottom portion 110 and a secondportion secured to the respective door 165, 166. The second portion mayinclude a securing member, which may be actuated to engage with anddisengage from the first portion of the securing mechanism. When thesecuring member is engaged with the first portion of the securingmechanism, the door may be prevented from opening and may secure ananimal inside the pet carrier 100. When the securing member isdisengaged from the first portion of the securing mechanism, the doormay be opened to allow an animal to enter or exit the pet carrier 100through the door opening. The second portion of the securing mechanismmay include a knob or similar device, which may be rotated toselectively position the securing member between the engaged anddisengaged positions. Rotation of the knob in a first direction maycause a first lateral movement of the securing member and position thesecuring member in the engaged position. Rotation of the knob in asecond, opposing direction may cause a second lateral movement of thesecuring member, in a direction opposing the first lateral movement, andposition the securing member in the disengaged position.

Either or both of the first door 165 and second door 166 may include oneor more apertures for ventilation. In one embodiment, either or bothdoors 165, 166 may be formed from a solid material having aperturesformed therein. In another embodiment, either or both doors 165, 166 maybe screen-type doors formed from flexible or inflexible wiresinterconnecting to form apertures therebetween.

The pet carrier 100 may include a shoulder strap 167 secured to the topportion 140 or bottom portion 110. In one embodiment, a first end of theshoulder strap 167 may secure to a back wall 121 of the bottom portion110 and a second, opposing end of the shoulder strap 167 may secure tothe front wall 111 of the bottom portion 110. The shoulder strap 167 maybe sized and configured to allow a handler of the pet carrier 100 toplace the shoulder strap 167 over his or her should while resting afirst side wall 125 or second side wall 135 against his or her hip,torso, or leg. The shoulder strap 167 may be removably secured to thetop portion 140 or bottom portion 110 of the pet carrier 100 at shoulderstrap attachment points. The shoulder strap attachment points mayinclude, but are not limited to, snaps, rivets, clips, or the like. Theshoulder strap 167 may be adjustable and may be adjusted to be longenough to wear across the head and chest of a user or may be adjusted tobe short enough to wear over a shoulder. In one embodiment, the shoulderstrap 167 may be an elongate, flexible material with a first end securedto the pet carrier 100. The elongate, flexible material may pass througha D-ring, or the like, at a second attachment point. The second end ofthe shoulder strap 167 may secure to a strap adjuster carried on thelength of the elongate, flexible material. The strap adjuster may bepositioned along the length to adjust length of the strap. Moving thestrap adjuster closer to the second attachment point may result in alonger strap 167 while positioned the strap adjuster further away fromthe second attachment point may result in a shorter strap 167 length.

The pet carrier 100 may include a handle 168 secured to the ceiling 143of the top portion 140. The handle 168 may have opposing first andsecond ends, each of which may be hingedly secured to the ceiling 143.The handle 168 may be selectively positioned between a deployed and astowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the handle may bepositioned to extend perpendicularly away from an outer surface of theceiling 143. In this deployed configuration, a handler may grasp thehandle 168 and lift the pet carrier 110. The first handle end may besecured to the ceiling 143 with a hinge at a first handle attachmentpoint, which may be positioned along a centerline of the top portion 140and the second handle end may be secure to the ceiling 143 with a hingeat a second handle attachment point, which may also be positioned alongthe centerline. The centerline of the top portion 140 may extendparallel to the first edge 148 of the ceiling 143. The attachment pointsof the handle 168 may be located within a recess located on the outersurface of the ceiling 143. In the stowed configuration, the handle 168may be folded down to lay against the outer surface of the ceiling 143within the recess. The handle 168 may be positioned about a sliding door172 located on the ceiling 143.

In one embodiment, a second handle 170 may be used in conjunction withthe shoulder strap 167 to provide stability for the user and the petwithin the carrier 100. The shoulder strap 167 may be worn by the userwhile the handle 170 may be positioned near the side of the carrier 100distal the user's body. The user may grasp the handle 170 to providesupport for the carrier and situate the weight of the carrier againstthe user's torso, hip, or leg. Positioning the carrier 100 in this waymay be beneficial to the pet inside the carrier 100 because it allowsthe pet to remain physically close to the user. In such an embodiment,the handle 170 may be hingedly secured to the top portion proximate afirst or second side wall 125, 135 and positionable between a deployedand stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the handle 170may be rotated to extend upward from the ceiling 143 proximate the sidewall to which the handle 170 is secured. In the stowed configuration,the handle 170 may be rotated to rest along an outer surface of theceiling 143, within a recess located below the upper level of theceiling 143. The recess may be formed within the outer surface of theceiling 143 and adapted to receive the handle 170 in the stowedconfiguration.

One or more walls of the pet carrier 100 may include apertures forventilation or viewing. Specifically, the first side wall 125 and secondside wall 135 of the bottom portion 110 may include apertures forventilation or viewing. The ceiling 143 may include apertures forventilation or viewing. The apertures may be formed from a solidmaterial with apertures formed therein. The apertures may be coveredwith a screen formed from flexible or inflexible wires interconnectingto form apertures therebetween. A plurality of apertures may be formedin solid material comprising the first side wall 125, second side wall135, and ceiling 143. A plurality of screens may be secured in aperturesformed in the first side wall 125, second side wall 135, and ceiling143. An aperture covered by a screen material may be defined as aviewing port.

In one embodiment, the top portion 140 may have a front portion 102located between the ceiling 143 and the front wall 141. The frontportion 102 may be secured to the ceiling 143 at an angle greater than90 degrees and may also be secured to the front wall 141 at an anglegreater than 90 degrees. Apertures may be located in the front portion102 to allow visualization or ventilation within the carrier 100.

The pet carrier 100 may include a sliding door 172 carried in theceiling 143 and slidably positionable between an open configuration anda closed configuration. The ceiling 143 may have a recess located on anouter surface. The sliding door 172 may be located within this recessand configured to not rise above an upper surface of the ceiling 143. Inthe closed configuration, the sliding door 172 may be positioned over anaperture in the ceiling 143. In the open configuration, the sliding door172 may be positioned on the ceiling 143 at a position adjacent theaperture and allow access into the pet carrier 100 through the ceiling143 aperture. The sliding door 172 may be translucent, transparent, oropaque.

A plurality of pet carriers 100 may be stacked upon one another. Eachpet carrier may have one or more ridges 169 located on an outer surfaceof the ceiling 143. Each pet carrier may have one or more recesses 171located on an outer surface of the floor 108. Each of the recesses 171may be configured to receive a ridge 169 when one pet carrier 100 isstacked upon another.

Another embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by thevarious figures and accompanying text, provides a pet carrier 200including a bottom portion 210 and a top portion 240. In thisembodiment, as depicted at least in FIGS. 15-27, the bottom portion 210may have a front wall 211, a back wall 221, a first side wall 225, asecond side wall, 235, and a floor 238.

Similar to embodiment 100, in embodiment 200, the first side wall 225may be rectangular and have four edges. A first edge 226 of the firstside wall 225 may oppose a second edge 227 of the first side wall 225. Athird edge 228 of the first side wall 225 may oppose a fourth edge 229of the first side wall 235. The first edge 226 and second edge 227 mayextend between the third edge 228 and fourth edge 229.

The second side wall 235 may be rectangular and have four edges. Thesecond side wall 235 may mirror the first side wall 225. A first edge236 of the second side wall 235 may oppose a second edge 237 of thesecond side wall 235. A third edge 238 of the second side wall 235 mayoppose a fourth edge 239 of the second side wall 235. The first edge 236and second edge 237 may extend between the third edge 238 and fourthedge 239.

The front wall 211 may have three outer edges and be rectangular with au-shaped recess adapted to receive a door 265. A first edge 212 of thefront wall 211 may oppose a second edge 213. A third edge 214 of thefront wall 211 may oppose a fourth edge 215. The fourth edge 215 may bediscontinuous with a first portion 216 proximate the first edge 212 anda second portion 217 proximate the second edge 213. There may be au-shaped recess between the first portion 216 and second portion 217.

The back wall 221 may be rectangular and have four edges. A first edge222 of the back wall 221 may oppose a second edge 223 of the back wall221. A third edge 224 of the back wall may oppose a fourth edge 205 ofthe back wall 221. The first edge 222 and second edge 223 may extendbetween the third edge 224 and fourth edge 205.

The floor 208 of the bottom portion 210 may secure to the front wall211, first side wall 225, second side wall 235, and back wall 221 toform an enclosure having an open side, through which animals may beplaced into or removed from the enclosure. The top portion 240 of thepet carrier 200 may be placed over the open side of the bottom portion210 to secure an animal within the pet carrier 200. The floor 208 may berectangular and have four edges.

The first edge 226 of the first side wall 225 may secure to a first edge212 of the front wall 211. The second edge 227 of the first side wall225 may secure to a first edge 222 of the back wall 221. The third edge228 of the first side wall 225 may secure to a first edge of the floor208.

The first edge 226 of the second side wall 235 may secure to a secondedge 213 of the front wall 211. The second edge 237 of the second sidewall 235 may secure to a second edge 223 of the back wall 221. The thirdedge 238 of the second side wall 235 may secure to a second edge of thefloor 208.

A third edge of the floor 208 may secure to a third edge 214 of thefront wall 211. A fourth edge of the floor 208 may secure to a thirdedge 224 of the back wall 221. Each attachment of an edge of the floor208 may form a 90-degree angle with the edge to which it is secured.

A pair of attachment locations may be located on an outside of the backwall 221 of the bottom portion 210. In one embodiment, each of the pairof attachment locations 201 may receive a portion of a respective hinge275, which is also secured to the top portion 240.

The top portion 240 may have a front wall 241, a first side wall 245, asecond side wall 255, and a ceiling 243.

The first side wall 245 of the top portion 240 may be a polygon and haveat least four edges. A first edge 246 of the first side wall 245 mayoppose a second edge 247 of the first side wall 245. The first edge 246and second edge 247 may extend parallel to one another and parallel tothe third edge 228 and fourth edge 229 of the first side wall 225 of thebottom portion 210.

The second side wall 255 of the top portion 240 may be a polygon andhave at least four edges. The second side wall 255 may mirror the firstside wall 245. A first edge 256 of the second side wall 255 may oppose asecond edge 257 of the second side wall 255. The first edge 256 andsecond edge 257 may extend parallel to one another and parallel to thethird edge 238 and fourth edge 239 of the second side wall 235 of thebottom portion 210.

The front wall 241 of the top portion 240 may have four outer edges andbe rectangular with at least one edge adapted to extend below anentirety of the first portion 216 and second portion 217 of the fourthedge 215 of the front wall 211 of the bottom portion 210 when the petcarrier 200 is in a closed configuration. A first edge of the front wall241 may oppose a second edge. A third edge of the front wall 241 mayoppose a fourth edge. The first edge and second edge may connect to thethird edge and fourth edge.

The top portion 240 may have a back wall 242. In embodiments, having aback wall, the back wall 242 of the top portion 240 may be rectangularand have four edges. A first edge of the back wall 242 may oppose asecond edge of the back wall 242. A third edge of the back wall 242 mayoppose a fourth edge of the back wall 242. The first edge and secondedge 223 may extend between the third edge and fourth edge. In oneembodiment, the back wall 242 may be secured to the ceiling 243 at anangle greater than 90 degrees. This angle of attachment may match theangle at which the front portion 202 is secured to the ceiling 243.Apertures may be located in the back wall 242 to allow visualization orventilation within the carrier 200.

The ceiling 243 of the top portion 240 may be rectangular and have fouredges. A first edge 248 of the ceiling 243 may oppose a second edge 249of the ceiling 243. A third edge of the ceiling 248 may oppose a fourthedge of the ceiling 243. The first edge 248 and second edge 249 mayextend between the third edge and fourth edge.

The first edge 246 of the first side wall 245 may secure to a first edge248 of the ceiling 243. The second edge 247 of the first side wall 245may extend below the fourth edge 229 of the first side wall 225 of thebottom portion 210 when the pet carrier is in a closed configuration.

The first edge 256 of the second side wall 255 may secure to a secondedge 249 of the ceiling 243. The second edge 257 of the second side wall255 may extend below the fourth edge 239 the second side wall 235 of thebottom portion 210 when the pet carrier is in a closed configuration.

The ceiling 243 may secure to the front wall 241, first side wall 245,second side wall 255, and back wall 242 to form an enclosure having anopen bottom.

A pair of attachment locations may be located on an outer side of theback wall 242 of the top portion 240. In one embodiment, each of theattachment locations may be adapted to secure to a hinge 275. Whensecured to both the top portion 240 and bottom portion 210, each hinge275 may rotatably secure the top portion 240 to the bottom portion 210.The pet carrier 200 may be positionable in a closed or openconfiguration. In the closed configuration, the top portion 240 isrotated into a position placing the ceiling 243 directly above andparallel to the floor 208 forming an enclosed space therebetween. In theopen configuration the top portion 240 is rotated 180 degrees withrespect to the closed configuration to place the front wall 241 of thetop portion 240 distal the front wall 211 of the bottom portion 210forming an open chamber.

The hinge 275 may have a first portion secured to the top portion 240and a second portion secured to the bottom portion 210. A pivot sectionmay be located between the first portion and second portion of the hinge275. In one embodiment, the hinge 275 may be a friction hinge, which maybe offset.

The second edge 227 of the first side wall 225 may have a length greaterthan a length of the first edge 226 of the first side wall 225. Thesecond edge 237 of the second side wall 235 may have a length greaterthan a length of the first edge 236 of the second side wall 235.

The pet carrier 200 may have a plurality of fasteners to secure the topportion 240 and bottom portion 210 in the closed configuration. A firstfastener component 262 may be secured to the top portion 240 proximate asecond edge 247, 257 of the first or second side wall 245, 255. A secondfastener component 263 may be secured to the bottom portion 210proximate a fourth edge 229, 239 of the first or second side walls 225,235. The first fastener component 262 and second fastener component 263may be cooperatively configured to secure to one another and retain thepet carrier 200 in the closed configuration. Fasteners may becooperatively positioned on the first portion 216 or second portion 217of the fourth edge 215 of the front wall 211 of the bottom portion and acorresponding location on the front wall 241 of the top portion.Fasteners may be positioned on a fourth edge 205 of the back wall 221 ofthe bottom portion 210 with a corresponding fastener located on a backwall 242 of the top portion 240. The fasteners may be snap latches orthe like.

A first door 265 may be retained in the u-shaped recess of the frontwall 211 of the bottom portion 210. The top of the first door 265 may beeven with the fourth edge 215 of the front wall 211 and between thefirst portion 216 and second portion 217 of the fourth edge 215 of thefront wall 211. The absence of any portion of the front wall 211extending above the door 265 may be beneficial to an animal travelingthrough the door way. When the door 265 is in the open position, ananimal may walk through the door way without having to walk under anobstruction. This may be particularly beneficial when the door 265 isopen and the pet carrier 200 is in an open configuration. The absence ofany structure above the door may relieve anxiety in the animal andencourage it to walk through the doorway either into or out of the petcarrier 200. The door 265 may be secured in a closed configuration witha latch or other securing mechanism.

A second door 266 may be carried by the back wall 221 of the bottomportion 210. The door 266 may be secured in a closed configuration witha latch or other securing mechanism.

Each of the securing mechanism for the doors 265, 266 may include afirst portion fixedly secured to the bottom portion 210 and a secondportion secured to the respective door 265, 266. The second portion mayinclude a securing member, which may be actuated to engage with anddisengage from the first portion of the securing mechanism. When thesecuring member is engaged with the first portion of the securingmechanism, the door may be prevented from opening and may secure ananimal inside the pet carrier 200. When the securing member isdisengaged from the first portion of the securing mechanism, the doormay be opened to allow an animal to enter or exit the pet carrier 200through the door opening. The second portion of the securing mechanismmay include a knob or similar device, which may be rotated toselectively position the securing member between the engaged anddisengaged positions. Rotation of the knob in a first direction maycause a first lateral movement of the securing member and position thesecuring member in the engaged position. Rotation of the knob in asecond, opposing direction may cause a second lateral movement of thesecuring member, in a direction opposing the first lateral movement, andposition the securing member in the disengaged position.

Either or both of the first door 265 and second door 266 may include oneor more apertures for ventilation. In one embodiment, either or bothdoors 265, 266 may be formed from a solid material having aperturesformed therein. In another embodiment, either or both doors 265, 266 maybe screen-type doors formed from flexible or inflexible wiresinterconnecting to form apertures therebetween.

The pet carrier 200 may include a shoulder strap 267 secured to the topportion 240 or bottom portion 210. In one embodiment, a first end of theshoulder strap 267 may secure to a back wall 221 of the bottom portion210 and a second, opposing end of the shoulder strap 267 may secure tothe front wall 211 of the bottom portion 210. The shoulder strap 267 maybe sized and configured to allow a handler of the pet carrier 200 toplace the shoulder strap 267 over his or her should while resting afirst side wall 225 or second side wall 235 against his or her hip,torso, or leg. The shoulder strap 267 may be removably secured to thetop portion 240 or bottom portion 210 of the pet carrier 200 at shoulderstrap attachment points. The shoulder strap attachment points mayinclude, but are not limited to, snaps, rivets, clips, or the like. Theshoulder strap 267 may be adjustable and may be adjusted to be longenough to wear across the head and chest of a user or may be adjusted tobe short enough to wear over a shoulder. In one embodiment, the shoulderstrap 267 may be an elongate, flexible material with a first end securedto the pet carrier 200. The elongate, flexible material may pass througha D-ring, or the like, at a second attachment point. The second end ofthe shoulder strap 267 may secure to a strap adjuster carried on thelength of the elongate, flexible material. The strap adjuster may bepositioned along the length to adjust length of the strap. Moving thestrap adjuster closer to the second attachment point may result in alonger strap 267 while positioned the strap adjuster further away fromthe second attachment point may result in a shorter strap 267 length.

The pet carrier 200 may include a handle 268 secured to the ceiling 243of the top portion 240. The handle 268 may have opposing first andsecond ends, each of which may be hingedly secured to the ceiling 243.The handle 268 may be selectively positioned between a deployed and astowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the handle may bepositioned to extend perpendicularly away from an outer surface of theceiling 243. In this deployed configuration, a handler may grasp thehandle 268 and lift the pet carrier 200. The first handle end may besecured to the ceiling 243 with a hinge at a first handle attachmentpoint, which may be positioned along a centerline of the top portion 240and the second handle end may be secure to the ceiling 243 with a hingeat a second handle attachment point, which may also be positioned alongthe centerline. The centerline of the top portion 240 may extendparallel to the first edge 248 of the ceiling 243. The attachment pointsof the handle 268 may be located within a recess located on the outersurface of the ceiling 243. In the stowed configuration, the handle 268may be folded down to lay against the outer surface of the ceiling 243within the recess. The handle 268 may be positioned about a sliding door272 located on the ceiling 243.

In one embodiment, a second handle 270 may be used in conjunction withthe shoulder strap 267 to provide stability for the user and the petwithin the carrier 200. The shoulder strap 267 may be worn by the userwhile the handle 270 may be positioned near the side of the carrier 200distal the user's body. The user may grasp the handle 270 to providesupport for the carrier and situate the weight of the carrier againstthe user's torso, hip, or leg. Positioning the carrier 200 in this waymay be beneficial to the pet inside the carrier 200 because it allowsthe pet to remain physically close to the user. In such an embodiment,the handle 270 may be hingedly secured to the top portion proximate afirst or second side wall 225, 235 and positionable between a deployedand stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the handle 270may be rotated to extend upward from the ceiling 243 proximate the sidewall to which the handle 270 is secured. In the stowed configuration,the handle 270 may be rotated to rest along an outer surface of theceiling 243, within a recess 271 located below the upper level of theceiling 243. The recess 271 may be formed within the outer surface ofthe ceiling 243 and adapted to receive the handle 270 in the stowedconfiguration. The handle 270 may secure to the ceiling 243 at twoattachment locations. Both of the attachment locations may be on a firstside of a longitudinal line projected along a midline of the top portion240 between the front wall 241 and the back wall 242.

One or more walls of the pet carrier 200 may include apertures forventilation or viewing. Specifically, the first side wall 225 and secondside wall 235 of the bottom portion 210 may include apertures forventilation or viewing. The ceiling 243 may include apertures forventilation or viewing. The apertures may be formed from a solidmaterial with apertures formed therein. The apertures may be coveredwith a screen formed from flexible or inflexible wires interconnectingto form apertures therebetween. A plurality of apertures may be formedin solid material comprising the first side wall 225, second side wall235, and ceiling 243. A plurality of screens may be secured in aperturesformed in the first side wall 225, second side wall 235, and ceiling243. An aperture covered by a screen material may be defined as aviewing port.

In one embodiment, the top portion 240 may have a front portion 202located between the ceiling 243 and the front wall 241. The frontportion 202 may be secured to the ceiling 243 at an angle greater than90 degrees and may also be secured to the front wall 241 at an anglegreater than 90 degrees. Apertures may be located in the front portion202 to allow visualization or ventilation within the carrier 200.

Apertures located in the back wall 242 or front portion 202 may bedefined as viewing ports. In one embodiment, one or more viewing portsmay include a mesh screen or a plurality of apertures formed in a solidmaterial.

The pet carrier 100 may include a sliding door 272 carried in theceiling 243 and slidably positionable between an open configuration anda closed configuration. The ceiling 243 may have a recess located on anouter surface. The sliding door 272 may be located within this recessand configured to not rise above an upper surface of the ceiling 243. Inthe closed configuration, the sliding door 272 may be positioned over anaperture in the ceiling 243. In the open configuration, the sliding door272 may be positioned on the ceiling 243 at a position adjacent theaperture and allow access into the pet carrier 200 through the ceiling243 aperture. The sliding door 272 may be translucent, transparent, oropaque.

A plurality of pet carriers 200 may be stacked upon one another. Eachpet carrier may have one or more ridges 269 located on an outer surfaceof the ceiling 243. Each pet carrier 200 may have one or more recesseslocated on an outer surface of the floor 208, as depicted in carrier 100in FIG. 14. Each of the recesses may be configured to receive a ridge269 when one pet carrier 200 is stacked upon another.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may beadvantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problemsnot discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but asexemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many otherramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of thevarious embodiments. While the invention has been described withreference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out thisinvention, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and thedescription, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they areunless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore notbeing so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. donot denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, theuse of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

The claims in the instant application are different than those of theparent application or other related applications. Applicant thereforerescinds any disclaimer of claim scope made in the parent application orany predecessor application in relation to the instant application. Anysuch previous disclaimer and the cited references that it was made toavoid, may need to be revisited. Further, any disclaimer made in theinstant application should not be read into or against the parentapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pet carrier comprising: a bottom portioncomprising: a floor; a front wall having a left edge, a right edge, alower edge, and an upper edge, wherein the upper edge extends along anentirety of an upper side of the front wall from the left edge to theright edge and comprises: a first portion proximate the left edge andextending perpendicular thereto, a second portion adjoining the firstportion and extending perpendicular thereto toward the floor of thebottom portion, a third portion adjoining the second portion andextending perpendicular thereto, a fourth portion adjoining the thirdportion and extending perpendicular thereto away from the floor of thebottom portion and opposing the second portion, and a fifth portionproximate the right edge, adjoining the fourth portion and extendingperpendicular thereto, a first side wall having a first edge secured tothe front wall and a second edge secured to the floor, and a second sidewall having a first edge secured to the front wall and a second edgesecured to the floor; a top portion secured to the bottom portion andcomprising: a ceiling, a first side wall having a first edge secured toa first edge of the ceiling, a second side wall having a first edgesecured to a second edge of the ceiling, which opposes the first edge ofthe ceiling, a first lobe extending from a portion of the first sidewall distal the ceiling, wherein the first lobe has a radius ofcurvature, and a second lobe extending from a portion of the second sidewall distal the ceiling, wherein the second lobe has a radius ofcurvature, wherein the top portion is positionable in an openconfiguration, in which a portion of the first lobe overlaps a thirdedge of the first side wall of the bottom portion, which opposes thesecond edge of the first side wall of the bottom portion, and a portionof the second lobe overlaps a third edge of the second side wall of thebottom portion, which opposes the second edge of the second side wall ofthe bottom portion, or rotatable 180 degrees with respect to the bottomportion to a closed configuration in which a second edge of the firstside wall of the top portion, which opposes the first edge of the firstside wall of the top portion, overlaps the third edge of the first sidewall of the bottom portion and a second edge of the second side wall ofthe top portion, which opposes the first edge of the second side wall ofthe top portion, overlaps the third edge of the second side wall of thebottom portion; and a first door carried between the second portion andfourth portion of the upper edge of the front wall of the bottomportion.
 2. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein the first door comprisesa mesh screen or a plurality of apertures formed in a solid material. 3.The pet carrier of claim 1 further comprising: a hinge secured to thefront wall of the bottom portion and the first door.
 4. The pet carrierof claim 1 further comprising: a securing mechanism having a firstportion secured to the front wall of the bottom portion and a secondportion secured to the first door, wherein the second portion has adevice rotatably activated to engage a member of the second portion withthe first portion to prevent movement of the first door relative to thebottom portion.
 5. The pet carrier of claim 1 further comprising: asecond door carried by a back wall of the bottom portion, which opposesthe front wall of the bottom portion.
 6. The pet carrier of claim 5further comprising: a hinge secured to the back wall of the bottomportion and the second door.
 7. The pet carrier of claim 5 furthercomprising: a securing mechanism having a first portion secured to theback wall of the bottom portion and a second portion secured to thesecond door, wherein the second portion has a device rotatably activatedto engage a member of the second portion with the first portion toprevent movement of the second door relative to the bottom portion. 8.The pet carrier of claim 5 further comprising: a plurality of firstfastener components secured to the top portion; and a plurality ofsecond fastener components secured to the bottom portion; wherein eachof the first fastener components are adapted to secure and unsecure to arespective one of the second fastener components; wherein securing eachof the plurality of first fastener components to each respectiveplurality of second fastener components retains the top portion and thebottom portion in a closed configuration; and wherein unsecuring each ofthe plurality of first fastener components from each respectiveplurality of second fastener components allows the top portion and thebottom portion to be moved to an open configuration.
 9. The pet carrierof claim 1 further comprising: a handle hingedly secured to the topportion, wherein the handle is selectively positionable between anupright and a stowed position, wherein the stowed position is defined asplacement of the handle within a recess of a ceiling of the top portion.10. The pet carrier according to claim 1 wherein the ceiling of the topportion has a middle section, which is planar, a front end sectionsecured to a first end of the middle section, and a back end sectionsecured to a second end of the middle section; wherein the front endsection forms a first obtuse angle with the middle section on an insideof the ceiling opposing the floor of the bottom section; and wherein theback end section forms a second obtuse angle with the middle section onthe inside of the ceiling opposing the floor of the bottom section. 11.The pet carrier according to claim 10 further comprising a viewing portlocated in the front end section or the back end section of the ceiling.12. The pet carrier according to claim 11 wherein the viewing portfurther comprises a mesh screen or a plurality of apertures formed in asolid material.
 13. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein the bottomportion further comprises a first plurality of apertures adapted forventilation and the top portion further comprises a second plurality ofapertures adapted for ventilation.
 14. The pet carrier of claim 1further comprising: a shoulder strap having a first end removablysecured to the bottom portion at a first shoulder strap attachment pointand a second end removably secured to the bottom portion at a secondshoulder strap attachment point.
 15. A pet carrier comprising: a bottomportion comprising: a floor; a front wall having a left edge, a rightedge, a lower edge, and an upper edge, wherein the upper edge extendsalong an entirety of an upper side of the front wall from the left edgeto the right edge and comprises: a first portion proximate the left edgeand extending perpendicular thereto, a second portion adjoining thefirst portion and extending perpendicular thereto toward the floor ofthe bottom portion, a third portion adjoining the second portion andextending perpendicular thereto, a fourth portion adjoining the thirdportion and extending perpendicular thereto away from the floor of thebottom portion and opposing the second portion, and a fifth portionproximate the right edge, adjoining the fourth portion and extendingperpendicular thereto, a first side wall having a first edge secured tothe front wall and a second edge secured to the floor, and a second sidewall having a first edge secured to the front wall and a second edgesecured to the floor; a top portion secured to the bottom portion andcomprising: a ceiling, a first side wall having a first edge secured toa first edge of the ceiling, a second side wall having a first edgesecured to a second edge of the ceiling, which opposes the first edge ofthe ceiling, a first lobe extending from a portion of the first sidewall distal the ceiling, wherein the first lobe has a radius ofcurvature, and a second lobe extending from a portion of the second sidewall distal the ceiling, wherein the second lobe has a radius ofcurvature, wherein the top portion is positionable in an openconfiguration, in which a portion of the first lobe overlaps a thirdedge of the first side wall of the bottom portion, which opposes thesecond edge of the first side wall of the bottom portion, and a portionof the second lobe overlaps a third edge of the second side wall of thebottom portion, which opposes the second edge of the second side wall ofthe bottom portion, or rotatable 180 degrees with respect to the bottomportion to a closed configuration in which a second edge of the firstside wall of the top portion, which opposes the first edge of the firstside wall of the top portion, overlaps the third edge of the first sidewall of the bottom portion and a second edge of the second side wall ofthe top portion, which opposes the first edge of the second side wall ofthe top portion, overlaps the third edge of the second side wall of thebottom portion; and a first door carried between the second portion andfourth portion of the upper edge of the front wall of the bottomportion; a second door carried by a back wall of the bottom portion,which opposes the front wall of the bottom portion; and a hinge securedto the back wall of the bottom portion and the second door.
 16. The petcarrier of claim 15 further comprising: a first securing mechanismhaving a first portion secured to the front wall of the bottom portionand a second portion secured to the first door, wherein the secondportion has a device rotatably activated to engage a member of thesecond portion with the first portion to prevent movement of the firstdoor relative to the bottom portion; and a second securing mechanismhaving a first portion secured to the back wall of the bottom portionand a second portion secured to the second door, wherein the secondportion has a device rotatably activated to engage a member of thesecond portion with the first portion to prevent movement of the seconddoor relative to the bottom portion.
 17. The pet carrier of claim 15further comprising: a plurality of first fastener components secured tothe top portion; and a plurality of second fastener components securedto the bottom portion; wherein each of the first fastener components areadapted to secure and unsecure to a respective one of the secondfastener components; wherein securing each of the plurality of firstfastener components to each respective plurality of second fastenercomponents retains the top portion and the bottom portion in a closedconfiguration; and wherein unsecuring each of the plurality of firstfastener components from each respective plurality of second fastenercomponents allows the top portion and the bottom portion to be moved toan open configuration.
 18. A pet carrier comprising: a bottom portioncomprising: a floor; a front wall having a left edge, a right edge, alower edge, and an upper edge, wherein the upper edge extends along anentirety of an upper side of the front wall from the left edge to theright edge and comprises: a first portion proximate the left edge andextending perpendicular thereto, a second portion adjoining the firstportion and extending perpendicular thereto toward the floor of thebottom portion, a third portion adjoining the second portion andextending perpendicular thereto, a fourth portion adjoining the thirdportion and extending perpendicular thereto away from the floor of thebottom portion and opposing the second portion, and a fifth portionproximate the right edge, adjoining the fourth portion and extendingperpendicular thereto, a second plurality of apertures adapted forventilation; a first side wall having a first edge secured to the frontwall and a second edge secured to the floor, and a second side wallhaving a first edge secured to the front wall and a second edge securedto the floor; a top portion secured to the bottom portion andcomprising: a ceiling having a middle section, which is planar, a frontend section secured to a first end of the middle section, and a back endsection secured to a second end of the middle section, wherein the frontend section forms a first obtuse angle with the middle section on aninside of the ceiling opposing the floor of the bottom section, andwherein the back end section forms a second obtuse angle with the middlesection on the inside of the ceiling opposing the floor of the bottomsection, a first side wall having a first edge secured to a first edgeof the ceiling, a second side wall having a first edge secured to asecond edge of the ceiling, which opposes the first edge of the ceiling,a first lobe extending from a portion of the first side wall distal theceiling, wherein the first lobe has a radius of curvature, and a secondlobe extending from a portion of the second side wall distal theceiling, wherein the second lobe has a radius of curvature, wherein thetop portion is positionable in an open configuration, in which a portionof the first lobe overlaps a third edge of the first side wall of thebottom portion, which opposes the second edge of the first side wall ofthe bottom portion, and a portion of the second lobe overlaps a thirdedge of the second side wall of the bottom portion, which opposes thesecond edge of the second side wall of the bottom portion, or rotatable180 degrees with respect to the bottom portion to a closed configurationin which a second edge of the first side wall of the top portion, whichopposes the first edge of the first side wall of the top portion,overlaps the third edge of the first side wall of the bottom portion anda second edge of the second side wall of the top portion, which opposesthe first edge of the second side wall of the top portion, overlaps thethird edge of the second side wall of the bottom portion; and a firstplurality of apertures adapted for ventilation; a first door comprisinga mesh screen or a plurality of apertures formed in a solid material,wherein the first door is carried between the second portion and fourthportion of the upper edge of the front wall of the bottom portion; afirst hinge secured to the front wall of the bottom portion and thefirst door; a first securing mechanism having a first portion secured tothe front wall of the bottom portion and a second portion secured to thefirst door, wherein the second portion has a device rotatably activatedto engage a member of the second portion with the first portion toprevent movement of the first door relative to the bottom portion; asecond door carried by a back wall of the bottom portion, which opposesthe front wall of the bottom portion; a second hinge secured to the backwall of the bottom portion and the second door; a second securingmechanism having a first portion secured to the back wall of the bottomportion and a second portion secured to the second door, wherein thesecond portion has a device rotatably activated to engage a member ofthe second portion with the first portion to prevent movement of thesecond door relative to the bottom portion; a handle hingedly secured tothe top portion at two attachment locations, within a recess, on a firstside of a longitudinal line projected along a midline of the top portionbetween the front wall and the back wall, wherein the handle isselectively positionable between an upright and a stowed position,wherein the stowed position is defined as placement of the handle withinthe recess of a ceiling of the top portion; a plurality of firstfastener components secured to the top portion; a plurality of secondfastener components secured to the bottom portion wherein each of thefirst fastener components are adapted to secure and unsecure to arespective one of the second fastener components, wherein securing eachof the plurality of first fastener components to each respectiveplurality of second fastener components retains the top portion and thebottom portion in a closed configuration, and wherein unsecuring each ofthe plurality of first fastener components from each respectiveplurality of second fastener components allows the top portion and thebottom portion to be moved to an open configuration; a viewing portlocated in the front end section or the back end section of the ceilingwherein the viewing port further comprises a mesh screen or a pluralityof apertures formed in a solid material; and a shoulder strap having afirst end removably secured to the bottom portion at a first shoulderstrap attachment point and a second end removably secured to the bottomportion at a second shoulder strap attachment point.